Is the iphone worthy as a pda?

[zippys2k21]

My phone is starting to crap out on me. Is the iphone worthy as a pda? I would like to know from you out there with miles on this device.

[93cobra]

I asked about this and the Representative (for what it is worth) told me that the iphones really aren't meant for programs such as Epocrates. I believe they are more of a "fun phone" than anything. Plus the front is made of glass. Drop it and the rest is history. One more con is the internal battery. The phone has to go into Apple for that replacement which has some ridiculously low amount of charges. I bought my friends Treo 750 (he had it for about 2 months) and then he had to have the iphone so I got his sloppy seconds. He said that the battery life (talk time, program usage) is longer on the 750. Oh and did I mention that if you want to use the web service on the iphone that feature is going to run you $40 a month. Hope this helps.

[zippys2k21]

Thanks for the info. I guess I'm going to wait.

[yoga]

I LOVE my iPhone. It was worth waiting in line for 2 hours. I think it is stronger than you think, have already dropped it two times and it works fine.

It is amazing in all that it does and I have no need for my PDA, cell phone, IPod. Pick up email anywhere and get on net anywhere.

I know the battery is an issue, but the positives outweigh that issue for me.

For females only, I keep mine in my bra, so I always know where it is. The only problem is when the email comes in I feel like I am getting a minor defibrillation.

PM me for more information.

Jan

[MmacFN]

For females only, I keep mine in my bra, so I always know where it is. The only problem is when the email comes in I feel like I am getting a minor defibrillation.

LOL :pound:

[RAYMAN]

For females only, I keep mine in my bra, so I always know where it is. The only problem is when the email comes in I feel like I am getting a minor defibrillation.

Jan

bwahaha...ok....sorry...nothing personal....but you know I wouldn't be able to resist this one.......perhaps store it in, uhm, a different undergarment and you could take multi-tasking to a whole new level!

[yoga]

Ray,
I should have figured you would have had that thought. Get back to the books.

Jan

[bjlee]

I have had long heated Treo vs. iPhone debates with a friend of mine (flt nurse, NP). We both currently have Treos and love them, they're both loaded with medical reference programs, pics, videos, schedules, contacts, etc, and serve our purposes very well. resilient little buggers too, drop 'em all the time.

That being said, we've both played with the iPhone in the apple store and came away with different opinions. On the issue of resiliency..the guy in the apple store took a key to the display model VIGOROUSLY and it still looked flawless. I don't think it's glass, maybe some kind of adamantium? and it is totally media friendly, as you would expect from apple with it's seamless itunes integration, video players and such. but that's all the good I can say about it.

The battery alone is a HUGE red flag. I let the battery die on my Treo once and within 5 minutes I was functioning like I had a closed head injury, I'll never put myself in that situation again. extended battery life is a MUST HAVE, and with the built in Wi-Fi on the Iphone, you can almost watch the battery drain. also, all the buttons are digitial on screen, unlike the little qwerty on the treo. I like the tactile response of pushing a button, I can FEEL that a button has been pushed, not so with the iPhone. I had issues typing anything on it. I text message like a fiend too, so that's a huge minus.

I could keep up the rant, but I think the point is clear. My vote is the Treo 755p, hands down. love the thing. absolutely a must-have. iPhone? yea, it's neat and everybody at school and clinical will want to play with it (more dead battery issues), but it won't take care of you like the treo.

[MmacFN]

Yah i think if your looking for a PDA the iphone isnt the best choice.

Its alot of money to replace all those programs for another device first, but also, i understand the iphone is mac platform, which means 95% of those apps are compatible anyway. This is a big issue.

Ill keep my dell axim ;)

[RAYMAN]

love my treo 750

[yoga]

I LOVE my iPhone. I sync it with my computer daily, so my calendar is updated, along with itunes. The email part is really useful and even though I don't use it for internet much, it is quite easy when I do. There a lot of amazing features, including the keyboard. I know there are some limitations, but it does everything I need and a lot more.

It has been especially nice to respond to an email quickly when away from home.

Jan

[zippys2k21]

Well the good thing that I have heard about the iphone is the software upgrade ability. I think there is update soon for flash and couple of other things. I think I'm going to wait it out until the winter and see where the iphone stands. Maybe they'll work on the battery life. Thanks for the insight everybody!!!

[bjlee]

tre-o, tre-o, tre-0,---come on, say it with me now--- tre-o, tre-o, tre-o!. The palm treo 755 (with the palmone software, not windows). superfast internet, reliability, depenability, TONS of software available, addictive little personality, and just plain useful little bugger. AND it's HALF the price of the iPhone.

Think of it like this:

iPhone = crazy-psycho-girfriend, good looking and popular, yes. But you're mom hates her because she is soooo high maintenence, and doesn't treat you well. Has some nice..uh...features, but is otherwise just a wild ride and some eye-candy, nothing more.

Palm Treo = first true love. always there for you, takes care of you, makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, keeps you organized and reminds you that it's your moms birthday and you should really call her. oh, it's okay, she doesn't mind if you look at others, she knows she's the one.

[darienblythe79]

tre-o, tre-o, tre-0,---come on, say it with me now--- tre-o, tre-o, tre-o!. The palm treo 755 (with the palmone software, not windows). superfast internet, reliability, depenability, TONS of software available, addictive little personality, and just plain useful little bugger. AND it's HALF the price of the iPhone.

Think of it like this:

iPhone = crazy-psycho-girfriend, good looking and popular, yes. But you're mom hates her because she is soooo high maintenence, and doesn't treat you well. Has some nice..uh...features, but is otherwise just a wild ride and some eye-candy, nothing more.

Palm Treo = first true love. always there for you, takes care of you, makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside, keeps you organized and reminds you that it's your moms birthday and you should really call her. oh, it's okay, she doesn't mind if you look at others, she knows she's the one.

I'm quite the Treo fan myself! I have the "ancient" 650, but it runs like a champ!

[cp612]

I have a Treo and I love it but my only complaint is that it is so heavy and bulky compared to other PDA phones like the Blackjack. I hate clipping the phone to my scrubs b/c I feel that the weight of the phone is going to make my scrubs fall off my waist. Anyone know if they are planning on making the Treo lighter?

[MmacFN]

one of my buddies bought the recent treo, it is alot smaller and lighter.

[RAYMAN]

I finally got to play with an iphone today.....awesome! I gotta have one. How's the durability? This is an issue since I seem to drop phones.

[nojrevorg]

I dont own any of these, but i believe that a program called skyscape has some different options for the iphone, like davis drug guide ect. I havent looked into it, but they do offer some solutions.

[Rioplatense]

I love my ATT 8525. The sliding QWERTY keyboard makes notes and email a cinch. The battery like is alright, no complaints upgrading from an HP IPAQ. It is a little on the "grueso" side, meaning the iPhone would be more low profile in your pocket than the 8525. You need a miniSD to hold programs. I perfer Skyscape. Check out the "Does it blend?" on YouTube for the iPhone. Its hilarious!

[sunursala]

I am not very familiar with any of the devices mentioned, but I have a question. Which, if any, of these devices would you recommend to a new CVICU nurse? I am about to switch from OR to Cardiac ICU with some medical, post surgical patients as well. I have worked OR for several years and naturally feel as though I have forgotten (almost) everything I learned in school.

Any advice on any type of reference material/tools would be appreciated.

[Rioplatense]

My hospital used to provide critical care students with the Fast Facts by kathy White book. If we wanted it we had to get our own, so I tested out the PDA version, its similar to the book. The down side is I think it is less navigable than the book is for some reason. I could thumb through the book faster than scrolling through the PDA version, which should be the exact opposite. I like it. Let me know if someone wants the website, or let me know if I can post it.

[yoga]

IPhone update (this is for Ray)

As I mentioned before, I wear my iPhone in my bra, which has turned out not to be the best place for it. I leaned over in the OR to check the foley bag, the phone dropped out and I stepped on it. It worked for about 2 days, then nothing.

I took it back to The Apple Store and they gave me a new one. They didn't ask, I didn't tell what happened to it.

I really do love it and found out that there are going to be a lot more programs for it. I like being able to pick up email and easily get on the net, while listening to iTunes and talking on the phone. Talk about multi-tasking.

Jan

[zippys2k21]

Jan,

How has your battery life been with the new phone, doing all the functions that you do during a normal day? I'm curious if they fixed that issue. Also, I'm not sure where you practice but I was at the CANA meeting a few weeks ago and your name was mentioned. I did not know your last name but after some sleuthing your name matched with the yoga on this site. Do you give lectures to any of the california programs?

Gabe

[yoga]

Gabe,
Battery life has never been an issue with my iPhone. I do keep a charger in the car for some of the long commute times on the freeway, but have rarely had to use it.

The CANA meeting was held on a weekend when I was lecturing in Florida at an anesthesia program. I haven't been to one in a long time. Mostly because I find the programs not very interesting. I lectured at CANA many years ago, but have not been asked recently.

Hope all is going well with you.

Jan Mannino

PS. what were they saying about me? Inquiring minds want to know.

[sunursala]

Thanks for the info on Fast Facts. Now that you mention it, I saw a reference to the same book somewhere else and have since forgotten about the site. It looks like a good choice. Any tips are greatly appreciated. :nurse:

[zippys2k21]

It was opening night at CANA and the topic at hand was regarding OR litigation and statistics. I can't remember what exactly what was said but your name came up. The speaker than said "most of you know Jan Mannino and her history with the aana..." I can vaguely remember the rest. Don't worry, it wasn't bad. I was looking up the speaker and it was Todd Herzog Region 5 director of AANA.

Gabe



Gabe,
Battery life has never been an issue with my iPhone. I do keep a charger in the car for some of the long commute times on the freeway, but have rarely had to use it.

The CANA meeting was held on a weekend when I was lecturing in Florida at an anesthesia program. I haven't been to one in a long time. Mostly because I find the programs not very interesting. I lectured at CANA many years ago, but have not been asked recently.

Hope all is going well with you.

Jan Mannino

PS. what were they saying about me? Inquiring minds want to know.